Effect of GnRH down-regulation on cumulus cell viability and apoptosis as measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)-agonist or -antagonist induces higher percentages of cumulus cell apoptosis and if the use of either is detrimental to ART outcomes.


METHODS
Women in a private facility under treatment for IVF had their cumulus cells isolated and analyzed by flow cytometry. Viable, apoptotic, and dead cumulus cell rates related to ovarian stimulation by GnRH-agonist or -antagonist were measured and compared with fertilization and implantation rates.


RESULTS
Treatment with GnRH-agonist produced a greater number of follicles than treatment with GnRH-antagonist. No differences in implantation and pregnancy rates were found. While cumulus cell (CC) apoptosis was positively correlated with estradiol on the day of hCG administration, no significant difference in the percentage of apoptotic cells between treatments was detectable. Additionally, implantation rate and the average follicular estradiol production on the day of hCG administration were no different between treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
GnRH-agonist or -antagonist treatment protocols induce similar levels of apoptosis in CCs and are not detrimental to ART outcomes.
Hassun Filho
Pericles Assad
PA
Genesis Genetics Brazil, Rua Mato-Grosso, 306, CJ.506 CEP., 01239-040 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. pericles.hassun@gmail.com
Ribeiro
Mariana Antunes
MA
da Rocha
André Monteiro
AM
Allegreti
José Roberto
JR
Serafini
Paulo Cesar
PC
da Motta
Eduardo Leme Alves
EL
D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D054885:Cumulus Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000819:agonists / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D010062:Ovulation Induction
D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone